New stop on my blog tour: Confessions of a Watery Tart. This is a great blog. Hart Johnson has a great sense of humor and her blog is a treat. Please check it out. I'm doing a book signing this week at the Pataskala Farmer's Market here in my own sleepy rural hamlet.
Life has been incredibly hectic these days with hosting and touring, not to mention working and throwing a BBQ! I have intentions of writing more about what I'm writing these days and about the craft itself. I'm slowing down on the interviews come August and will try to devote more time to other subjects here. There will still be reviews and giveways, but only twice a month or so. With Twilight of the Gods coming out, I'll be stepping up the signings etc.
Right now, I'm working with my editor, Cindy Davis on TOTG. Fearful Symmetry is about 3/4 of the way through my crit group. I'm so thrilled about this book. It's fun to get into the POV of a male character. I had to laugh the other day. We have a new member in the group and he read a chapter of Fearful Symmetry without looking at the author's name and swore it was written by a gay man. Hate to disappoint anyone who thought the contrary, but I'm actually a heterosexual woman. However, my gay male friends have made me an honorary gay man for my healthy (and often vocal) appreciation of the male form. Work still continues on Book Four, Ratopia.
I have a new paranormal novel in the works that is magic based rather than sci fi. Although it has vampire characters, it's not a vampire novel. The working title is Bad Moon Rising. (Yes, taken from the CCR song). The POV character is Marena Kazinski, a six foot tall prophetess who looks like Billy Idol and runs a daycare center for a church. I takes place in rural Ohio, which just happens to be the site of a brewing apocalypse. Unlike Immortyl Revolution this book will feature a lot of paranormal creatures like elves, shifters, weres and wizards.
Another project is a good-natured paranormal romance parody called, Betti Loves Yeti, about the forbidden love between a teenaged girl and a Sasquatch, set in the Pacific Northwest.
I'm a busy girl and I have to go now and satisfy my muse. He's very demanding. Yes, my muse is male. What else could he be?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Author Interview with Patti Hultstrand
Patti, to what age group is your work geared?
I do not like to be left behind the door in romance stories. I like to see in the story what happens in the bedroom, so this is also how I write. I also write from multiple points of view because I want to know what these other characters think of my main character. Ok – so I am noisy and didn’t even know that I was. Or, at least, I want to know what’s going on in my mind, and I’m still the last one to know; at least where my characters are concerned.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
The Time Chaser series are time-travel romances in that you can’t separate the romance from the story and be able to keep the story true to the idea. Parker must meet Tamea in order to find his other half and Tamea must meet Parker in order to fulfill her destiny and become a time chaser. This series is an epic romance where they are meant to be together for so many reasons, one being to save the world as they know it. Of course!
Tell us a little about your books.
In "Time Conquers All," Tamea, a nineteen-year old warrior princess from the India region of the world in the late 1500's, is being plagued by disturbing dreams and visions of the future. Tamea is assigned to protect a visiting king from a neighboring country while their two countries solidify a treaty that will benefit both countries. This king brings with him assassins that want to kill him and his family who are hiding a bigger secret regarding the origins of his country.
This king is not who he seems, and Tamea must unravel the intrigue that surrounds him and his country, but even more important, she must find out why he has been haunting her dreams and visions.
In book 2, "Rescue In Time" due to be released in June 2010, we find Tamea and Parker are connected by more than just their countries' alliances, but have a destiny to discern. Tamea continues to have the disturbing vision where Parker dies in her arms from a successful assassins bullet. She is subconsciously trying to solve the outcome to save his life in the future.
Meanwhile, in the 1500's, Tamea and Parker must take their countries to war with their neighboring country of Bengal who have been implicated as the mastermind behind the assassination attempts on both of their families' lives. Tamea must learn that not all those close to her can be trusted, maybe not even the man she loves.
Who is your favorite character in your books and why?
My favorite is Parker, of course, because when it comes to men, he is my ultimate hero. Yes, he has mental issues, but we find out why in the upcoming books in the series. You would think at first his mental problems were a direct issue from his Vietman years, but we find out there are more layers to Parker. You could say that peeling back the layers on Parker is an interest of mine.
I had written a short story with Parker and his author having a relationship outside of the book. I think all of us romance writers have this kind of weird relationship with our hero characters. Think about the whole movie premise of “Romancing the Stone” and tell me honestly, if you are a romance author, do we not try to find our “Jessie” character from our stories, in the real world somewhere?
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?
Readers may find me at:
http://www.azpublishingservices.com
http://www.timeconquersall.com
http://azpublishingservices.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pj.hultstrand
http://www.twitter.com/chance2publish
Are there any upcoming events that you’d like to mention?
I'm actually working on designing a brand new magazine out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, so will probably not be in the public much for a month or two. I can be found at the CopperCon convention in Mesa, Arizona over Labor Day weekend. We will be in the dealer’s room, as well as speaking in a group of panels and sponsoring a workshop over that weekend. We will also be doing a book signing party that weekend as well.
My favorite personal anecdote right now is:
I don't think dogs care why they walked into a room - they only know if they're happy to be there or not. A tiger would know why it's there.
Great quote, Patti! Thanks for being my guest and good luck on your tour!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Interview with author, Louise Wise
Today, Louise Wise is visitng all the way from the U.K. on her virtual tour. Please leave a comment to be entered for prizes through Authors Supporting Authors Virtual Tours.
JOURNEY TO THE PAST…
A tale of romance and survival as three people travel from 2236 to the beginning of time.
Jennifer Daykin joins the three-man crew to explore the newly discovered planet, Eden.
All was going well until Jenny found herself deserted…
She listened for an answering shout – there was nothing. In the distance, Jenny was transfixed with horror as the space shuttle rose into the blue sky of Eden.
‘No... Don’t leave me here!’
Only the pounding of her heart answered her.
…but not alone
The instant she hit the floor she curled into the foetal position. Finally, the bare feet walked away. A Native American warrior, had been her first thought, but it was his eyes that had alerted her he wasn’t an Indian or even human. They were completely black; black, dry orbs in a battered face.
Ordinary people with ordinary emotions, fears and insecurities.
Only this isn’t Earth, and he isn’t human.
A modern day Adam and Eve.
Welcome to Immortyl Revolution, Louise! To what age group is Eden geared?
It was meant for adult but I’ve heard that some teens have been enjoying it.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
Eden is a crossover romance to science fiction.
Tell us a little about your book.
Jenny Daykin is a woman very much of the future (2236), she is an astronaut who joins a three-manned crew to the world’s first trip outside the solar system to the planet Eden. Unfortunately, things go very wrong on entry and their shuttle is damaged. On landing, they discover a crashed UFO, which seems to have been there a long time; only it has a survivor. The crew panic and Jenny gets accidently left behind. She has to live an existence of a cave-dweller, except she has a very big, a very angry alien man to contend with. A love story with a HUGE difference.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
The alien, Fly because his lifestyle had been so brutal and different compared to Jenny’s that he didn’t understand what was happening when he fell in love. He just didn’t recognize the emotion! Matt was a close second. He was my evil character-turned-nice, but I could really understand his reasoning beyond his badness.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?
Others writers influenced my writing, but Eden was tailor-written, if you like, for me. I was going through a strong bad man phase when I thought up Fly. I don’t read science fiction – isn’t that awful to admit that? I like astronomy and am a little geeky looking through my telescope, but reading unpronounceable names do not appeal to me. And all the sci-fi I know have some kind of battle or war to win. I’m a romantic through and through. Saying all that though, I admit to reading Red Dwarf and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, but that was for the comedy.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I do a lot of day-dreaming first to get a feel of the characters, then I put write about them, not necessarily to start the story. I always change the first and second chapter anyway. I have the plot in my head and know the basic ending but my books are very much character led. I research as I go. My writing is very muddled but it works for me. If I can’t get one chapter right, I move on to the next and come back to it. I usually have six or seven drafts before I deem it good enough to send to my editor.
I use www.youwriteon.com. as my critique group. They are very good.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
Enter writing competitions and join on-line writing forums. This is a really good one for beginners Writer's Biz. Grow a thick skin and be prepared for rejection from every angle.
Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
The publisher is www.youwriteon.com. You can find an eBook of Eden on Obooko: http://www.obooko.com/index.html and hard copies from any Internet store like Amazon,
Amazon U.K., Or buy a signed copy straight from me with paypal: http://louisewise.blogspot.com or request it at a library if they haven’t already got it in.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?
You can follow me at: www.twitter.com/wisebird2009, http://louisewise.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=546054093 .
My next book A Proper Charlie will be out for Christmas.
Tell my readers about your background?
I’m married and live with my husband in Northampton (where the late Princess Diana was born), England. We have four boys, the youngest is six and the eldest is nineteen. We also have two cats and a rabbit with a personality disorder – he thinks he’s a cat also. Professionally I am an on-line editor as well as a writer. I do love editing (I think I’m alone?), I love seeing pieces come alive on the page just by changing the position of a comma.
Louise, thanks for joining me today and good luck on the tour!
JOURNEY TO THE PAST…
A tale of romance and survival as three people travel from 2236 to the beginning of time.
Jennifer Daykin joins the three-man crew to explore the newly discovered planet, Eden.
All was going well until Jenny found herself deserted…
She listened for an answering shout – there was nothing. In the distance, Jenny was transfixed with horror as the space shuttle rose into the blue sky of Eden.
‘No... Don’t leave me here!’
Only the pounding of her heart answered her.
…but not alone
The instant she hit the floor she curled into the foetal position. Finally, the bare feet walked away. A Native American warrior, had been her first thought, but it was his eyes that had alerted her he wasn’t an Indian or even human. They were completely black; black, dry orbs in a battered face.
Ordinary people with ordinary emotions, fears and insecurities.
Only this isn’t Earth, and he isn’t human.
A modern day Adam and Eve.
Welcome to Immortyl Revolution, Louise! To what age group is Eden geared?
It was meant for adult but I’ve heard that some teens have been enjoying it.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
Eden is a crossover romance to science fiction.
Tell us a little about your book.
Jenny Daykin is a woman very much of the future (2236), she is an astronaut who joins a three-manned crew to the world’s first trip outside the solar system to the planet Eden. Unfortunately, things go very wrong on entry and their shuttle is damaged. On landing, they discover a crashed UFO, which seems to have been there a long time; only it has a survivor. The crew panic and Jenny gets accidently left behind. She has to live an existence of a cave-dweller, except she has a very big, a very angry alien man to contend with. A love story with a HUGE difference.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
The alien, Fly because his lifestyle had been so brutal and different compared to Jenny’s that he didn’t understand what was happening when he fell in love. He just didn’t recognize the emotion! Matt was a close second. He was my evil character-turned-nice, but I could really understand his reasoning beyond his badness.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?
Others writers influenced my writing, but Eden was tailor-written, if you like, for me. I was going through a strong bad man phase when I thought up Fly. I don’t read science fiction – isn’t that awful to admit that? I like astronomy and am a little geeky looking through my telescope, but reading unpronounceable names do not appeal to me. And all the sci-fi I know have some kind of battle or war to win. I’m a romantic through and through. Saying all that though, I admit to reading Red Dwarf and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, but that was for the comedy.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I do a lot of day-dreaming first to get a feel of the characters, then I put write about them, not necessarily to start the story. I always change the first and second chapter anyway. I have the plot in my head and know the basic ending but my books are very much character led. I research as I go. My writing is very muddled but it works for me. If I can’t get one chapter right, I move on to the next and come back to it. I usually have six or seven drafts before I deem it good enough to send to my editor.
I use www.youwriteon.com. as my critique group. They are very good.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
Enter writing competitions and join on-line writing forums. This is a really good one for beginners Writer's Biz. Grow a thick skin and be prepared for rejection from every angle.
Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
The publisher is www.youwriteon.com. You can find an eBook of Eden on Obooko: http://www.obooko.com/index.html and hard copies from any Internet store like Amazon,
Amazon U.K., Or buy a signed copy straight from me with paypal: http://louisewise.blogspot.com or request it at a library if they haven’t already got it in.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?
You can follow me at: www.twitter.com/wisebird2009, http://louisewise.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=546054093 .
My next book A Proper Charlie will be out for Christmas.
Tell my readers about your background?
I’m married and live with my husband in Northampton (where the late Princess Diana was born), England. We have four boys, the youngest is six and the eldest is nineteen. We also have two cats and a rabbit with a personality disorder – he thinks he’s a cat also. Professionally I am an on-line editor as well as a writer. I do love editing (I think I’m alone?), I love seeing pieces come alive on the page just by changing the position of a comma.
Louise, thanks for joining me today and good luck on the tour!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Interview with author, Susan Hanniford Crowley
Today, I welcome Susan Hanniford Crowley to Immortyl Revolution. Susan is on her Authors Supporting Authors Virtual Tour.
What age group is your work geared toward?
I write for adults. I have explicit sexual content in my books.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
I write paranormal romance. Since I am a cross over author from science fiction and fantasy, the genre appealed to me as it allows me to write science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural with romance.
Tell us a little about your latest book.
THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS (which is part of the Vampires in Manhattan series) is about a woman who doesn’t realize she’s inherited Telkhine powers from her mother. Laura has a desperately horrible day which makes her question her existence. She ends up clinging to a railing on the Brooklyn Bridge. When she changes her mind, she falls into the river. Vampire David Hilliard has just asked God for mercy and to end his loneliness. He has a vision of her and plunges into the river to save her. Unfortunately, Laura is mortally injured and he has only one choice. David doesn’t know that to love a Telkhine brings doom upon them both and plunges them into a world of sorcery and voodoo. Will his love be enough to save them? Does Laura truly love him?
Available as an ebook at: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thestormylovelifeoflauracordelais-374695-139.html
Also available in Kindle:
I’m awaiting news of the print release date.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
I love David Hilliard, because he’s brave, patient, kind, and even though he’s over a hundred, he’s not opposed to learning new things. It doesn’t hurt that he’s great looking and has a weird sense of humor.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?
My first editor in fantasy was Marion Zimmer Bradley, and her work as an author greatly influenced me. I found her work transporting as if I had walked through a door into another world. Now-a-days I’m influenced by a lot of the up and coming authors in paranormal romance like Bianca D’Arc, Stella and Audra Price, and a.c. Mason.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I dream a story. When I wake I write it down as fast as possible—sometimes only in an outline or grocery list format. Then I flesh it out more and I do tons of research to get details right. As for plotting, I let my characters move the story but I get all that in my dreams, for the most part. Sometimes I have to fix places that don’t quite work.
For THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS, I researched the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, cemeteries in New Orleans, the different dialects spoken in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina timeline over Florida and New Orleans, the flooding pattern, the French Quarter, Voodoo, different forms of magic, the mythology of Rhodes (the legendary homes of the Telkhines) and obscure Greek Mythology.
I have belonged to critique groups in the past: Critters.org for science fiction, fantasy, and horror writers and Rom-Critters, which is a yahoo group for romance writers. I found them tremendously helpful when I was honing my craft. I belong to SFWA and RWA and also a local chapter of RWA. I love the local chapter meetings because they are highly educational and I’m always learning something new I can use.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
Read everything in the genre you want to pursue as a writer. That way you’re not wasting time writing something someone else already has. Join a writers group for the education and a critique group to help with the process and get emotional support.
Who is your publisher?
My publisher is Tease Publishing LLC. My other books (I also have WHEN LOVE SURVIVES and A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS in the Vampires in Manhattan series) are available at: All Romance Books
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?
Readers can always find me at http://susanhannifordcrowley.com/
My romance blog: http://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SHCrowley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/629298868
Absolutely friend me and ask to be in the Internet Book Party, that way you get all the news.
Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you’d like to mention?
My next ebook release will be VAMPIRE IN THE BASEMENT—tentative release date July 15.
I will be participating in the Authors After Dark Romance Unlimited Convention in Secaucus, New Jersey, September 16-19. There's still time to register. There will be tons of fun events, panels, workshops, parties, and giveaways. Here's the link:
http://authorsafterdark.blogspot.com/p/aad-confrence-info.html
For those that are attending Authors After Dark Romance Unlimited Convention, come up to me and say “I saw you on Immortal Revolution” and I will give you a small gift.
Susan, Thanks so much for joining me today!
Thank you for having me.
Readers, please leave a comment to be entered in drawing through Authors Supporting Authors.
What age group is your work geared toward?
I write for adults. I have explicit sexual content in my books.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
I write paranormal romance. Since I am a cross over author from science fiction and fantasy, the genre appealed to me as it allows me to write science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural with romance.
Tell us a little about your latest book.
THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS (which is part of the Vampires in Manhattan series) is about a woman who doesn’t realize she’s inherited Telkhine powers from her mother. Laura has a desperately horrible day which makes her question her existence. She ends up clinging to a railing on the Brooklyn Bridge. When she changes her mind, she falls into the river. Vampire David Hilliard has just asked God for mercy and to end his loneliness. He has a vision of her and plunges into the river to save her. Unfortunately, Laura is mortally injured and he has only one choice. David doesn’t know that to love a Telkhine brings doom upon them both and plunges them into a world of sorcery and voodoo. Will his love be enough to save them? Does Laura truly love him?
Available as an ebook at: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thestormylovelifeoflauracordelais-374695-139.html
Also available in Kindle:
I’m awaiting news of the print release date.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
I love David Hilliard, because he’s brave, patient, kind, and even though he’s over a hundred, he’s not opposed to learning new things. It doesn’t hurt that he’s great looking and has a weird sense of humor.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?
My first editor in fantasy was Marion Zimmer Bradley, and her work as an author greatly influenced me. I found her work transporting as if I had walked through a door into another world. Now-a-days I’m influenced by a lot of the up and coming authors in paranormal romance like Bianca D’Arc, Stella and Audra Price, and a.c. Mason.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I dream a story. When I wake I write it down as fast as possible—sometimes only in an outline or grocery list format. Then I flesh it out more and I do tons of research to get details right. As for plotting, I let my characters move the story but I get all that in my dreams, for the most part. Sometimes I have to fix places that don’t quite work.
For THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS, I researched the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, cemeteries in New Orleans, the different dialects spoken in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina timeline over Florida and New Orleans, the flooding pattern, the French Quarter, Voodoo, different forms of magic, the mythology of Rhodes (the legendary homes of the Telkhines) and obscure Greek Mythology.
I have belonged to critique groups in the past: Critters.org for science fiction, fantasy, and horror writers and Rom-Critters, which is a yahoo group for romance writers. I found them tremendously helpful when I was honing my craft. I belong to SFWA and RWA and also a local chapter of RWA. I love the local chapter meetings because they are highly educational and I’m always learning something new I can use.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
Read everything in the genre you want to pursue as a writer. That way you’re not wasting time writing something someone else already has. Join a writers group for the education and a critique group to help with the process and get emotional support.
Who is your publisher?
My publisher is Tease Publishing LLC. My other books (I also have WHEN LOVE SURVIVES and A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS in the Vampires in Manhattan series) are available at: All Romance Books
Readers can always find me at http://susanhannifordcrowley.com/
My romance blog: http://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SHCrowley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/629298868
Absolutely friend me and ask to be in the Internet Book Party, that way you get all the news.
Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you’d like to mention?
My next ebook release will be VAMPIRE IN THE BASEMENT—tentative release date July 15.
I will be participating in the Authors After Dark Romance Unlimited Convention in Secaucus, New Jersey, September 16-19. There's still time to register. There will be tons of fun events, panels, workshops, parties, and giveaways. Here's the link:
http://authorsafterdark.blogspot.com/p/aad-confrence-info.html
For those that are attending Authors After Dark Romance Unlimited Convention, come up to me and say “I saw you on Immortal Revolution” and I will give you a small gift.
Susan, Thanks so much for joining me today!
Thank you for having me.
Readers, please leave a comment to be entered in drawing through Authors Supporting Authors.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Featured Author, Susan Whitfield
Today I'm featuring, Susan Whitfield, fellow L&L Dreamspell author to Immortyl Revolution!
After earning a B.S. degree, Susan taught English for thirteen years and earned her MAEd. She moved into high school administration, earned her doctorate, and retired from a principalship in 2005 to write.
This North Carolina mystery writer has written four books in the Logan Hunter Mystery series, including Genesis Beach, Just North of Luck, Hell Swamp, and Sin Creek. She sets her novels in the state she loves. Genesis Beach, the first in the series, is set in a fictitious place only she can locate with any accuracy. “I was first inspired to write my first novel while I was at the beach looking down at a tanned man with a pierced nipple in the hot tub,” she giggles.
Excerpt from Genesis Beach:
I’d come all this way to slap him and tell him to go straight to Hell only to find out he was already there.
Susan said, “I liked my female protagonist, Logan, so much that I decided without hesitation to send her off to the Blue Ridge Mountains after a serial killer. Just North of Luck challenged us both.”
Reviews:
“Just south of sanity!”
“…grabs you by the scruff of the next and takes you on a harrowing ride into hellish, gruesome, and scary scenes. Whitfield’s skill at expectation and reversal will leave you saying OMG!”
“…unique supporting cast of Appalachian characters…”
Whitfield went back to her childhood home and the nearby mansion she loved to set Hell Swamp along Black River, and use The Black River Plantation for the crime scene. “There really is a Hell Swamp somewhere down Black River but I didn’t venture there because I’d been told about the canopy of water moccasins that called it home. I have since become friends with the plantation’s owner, Ed Padfield, a real sweetie. I treasure that friendship.”
The fourth novel in the series, Sin Creek, will be released by L&L Dreamspell later this year. “I don’t have a cover yet, but the novel is set along the Cape Fear Riverfront in Wilmington. I love Wilmington!” Here’s a tidbit to tease you:
The Cape Fear River snakes through eastern North Carolina past the stunning port city of Wilmington, and sidling up next to it is Sin Creek, a sliver of water where wickedness and decadence take precedence over decency and threaten to bring the city to its knees.
Early reviews:
“…provocative page-turner!”
“…unexpected turns, engaging situations…”
Susan's series can be purchased anywhere books are sold as well as online. Susan says, “If you want a book autographed, just go to my site at http://www.susanwhitfieldonline.com/and order from there. Sin Creek will be added as soon as information is available.” You can also view video trailers for Just North of Luck and Hell Swamp there.
Susan also has a cookbook she compiled after asking writer friends to submit recipes for Killer Recipes, not only a book of writers’ favorite foods but also book titles, web sites, and other interesting tidbits. All proceeds from this cookbook will be donated to cancer research. “I feel so good about doing this because so many of us have been affected by cancer in some way. I appreciate eighty-seven authors submitting as many as five recipes for this project. Killer Recipes will be released in August and we hope you’ll buy some and spread the word.” This cookbook will be available on Whitfield’s web site, lldreamspell.com, as well as Amazon.com and other online stores. “I’m proud and grateful that L&L Dreamspell jumped at the chance to publish this special book.”
Susan Whitfield is currently working on a stand-alone about the misadventures and perils of two women who’ve been friends since infancy. The working title is The Goose Parade of Old Dickeywood. She also blogs at http://www.susanwhitfield.blogspot.com/and interviews authors and industry experts.
Autographed copies at Susan's Web Store
I'd like to thank Susan for joining me today and sharing information about her books. Please feel free to leave a comment for her.
After earning a B.S. degree, Susan taught English for thirteen years and earned her MAEd. She moved into high school administration, earned her doctorate, and retired from a principalship in 2005 to write.
This North Carolina mystery writer has written four books in the Logan Hunter Mystery series, including Genesis Beach, Just North of Luck, Hell Swamp, and Sin Creek. She sets her novels in the state she loves. Genesis Beach, the first in the series, is set in a fictitious place only she can locate with any accuracy. “I was first inspired to write my first novel while I was at the beach looking down at a tanned man with a pierced nipple in the hot tub,” she giggles.
Excerpt from Genesis Beach:
I’d come all this way to slap him and tell him to go straight to Hell only to find out he was already there.
Susan said, “I liked my female protagonist, Logan, so much that I decided without hesitation to send her off to the Blue Ridge Mountains after a serial killer. Just North of Luck challenged us both.”
Reviews:
“Just south of sanity!”
“…grabs you by the scruff of the next and takes you on a harrowing ride into hellish, gruesome, and scary scenes. Whitfield’s skill at expectation and reversal will leave you saying OMG!”
“…unique supporting cast of Appalachian characters…”
Whitfield went back to her childhood home and the nearby mansion she loved to set Hell Swamp along Black River, and use The Black River Plantation for the crime scene. “There really is a Hell Swamp somewhere down Black River but I didn’t venture there because I’d been told about the canopy of water moccasins that called it home. I have since become friends with the plantation’s owner, Ed Padfield, a real sweetie. I treasure that friendship.”
The fourth novel in the series, Sin Creek, will be released by L&L Dreamspell later this year. “I don’t have a cover yet, but the novel is set along the Cape Fear Riverfront in Wilmington. I love Wilmington!” Here’s a tidbit to tease you:
The Cape Fear River snakes through eastern North Carolina past the stunning port city of Wilmington, and sidling up next to it is Sin Creek, a sliver of water where wickedness and decadence take precedence over decency and threaten to bring the city to its knees.
Early reviews:
“…provocative page-turner!”
“…unexpected turns, engaging situations…”
Susan's series can be purchased anywhere books are sold as well as online. Susan says, “If you want a book autographed, just go to my site at http://www.susanwhitfieldonline.com/and order from there. Sin Creek will be added as soon as information is available.” You can also view video trailers for Just North of Luck and Hell Swamp there.
Susan also has a cookbook she compiled after asking writer friends to submit recipes for Killer Recipes, not only a book of writers’ favorite foods but also book titles, web sites, and other interesting tidbits. All proceeds from this cookbook will be donated to cancer research. “I feel so good about doing this because so many of us have been affected by cancer in some way. I appreciate eighty-seven authors submitting as many as five recipes for this project. Killer Recipes will be released in August and we hope you’ll buy some and spread the word.” This cookbook will be available on Whitfield’s web site, lldreamspell.com, as well as Amazon.com and other online stores. “I’m proud and grateful that L&L Dreamspell jumped at the chance to publish this special book.”
Susan Whitfield is currently working on a stand-alone about the misadventures and perils of two women who’ve been friends since infancy. The working title is The Goose Parade of Old Dickeywood. She also blogs at http://www.susanwhitfield.blogspot.com/and interviews authors and industry experts.
Autographed copies at Susan's Web Store
I'd like to thank Susan for joining me today and sharing information about her books. Please feel free to leave a comment for her.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Author Interview with Vogue
Today I welcome Vogue, who is on her Authors Supporting Authors Virtual Tour.
Hello and welcome to Immortyl Revolution. Tell us a little about yourself.
Vogue: Thanks for having me! To start, I am twenty-five years old and currently reside in Rock Hill, SC. I am a graduate of Winthrop University and hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. I begin writing when I was in high school and as you can see, I haven’t stopped yet!
Anything interesting facts you would like to share with readers?
Vogue: My most interesting writing quirk would probably have to be that I outline each of my novels. Since I am writing a ten book series, it is very important that I keep a lot of information consistent. I have several notebooks just filled with notes from each of the books. Some of them have actually ended up in print while others ended up on the cutting room floor.
What made you decide to write your first novel?
Vogue: When I was in high school, my sister’s best friend had started writing a novel. I decided to give it a shot just to try something different from poetry and I fell in love with it. Once my first book was written, I realized that I had a strong desire to be a writer. Not only that, I loved the fact that writing allowed me to utilize my imagination.
What genre do you write?
Vogue: Currently, I write urban fiction or street lit, but I have plans to break out into other genres. As a writer, you have to grow with your craft otherwise people will soon lose interest.
What has inspired you most? Who is your favorite author?
Vogue: What keeps me inspired is seeing the reaction from people who have read my work. My debut novel was just released on June 1st so people have started receiving their copies. I love hearing my readers’ thoughts and opinions, especially when they tell me that I’m always keeping them guessing. My favorite author is actually a writing duo, Ashley and Jaquavis, who are signed to Urban Books. Some of their works include: The Trophy Wife, The Cartel, The Cartel 2, Dirty Money, Supreme Clientele, amongst other titles. What I love about this writing duo is that they are easily able to mix two writing personalities together to form a novel that not only attracts female readers, but male readers as well.
What does your family think of your writing?
Vogue: Diamonds in the Rough is the first novel that my family will read by me so I am waiting to hear the feedback. Right now, they are simply encouraging me and being a positive support system. Every time they tell me that their proud of me, it’s like hearing it for the first time. It never gets old. I’m blessed to have the family that I do.
Name something you learned while creating your book.
Vogue: Well, I first learned this in high school when I took a creative writing course. As an author, you have to write as if no one is looking over your shoulder. There were several times when I was writing The Ace of Diamonds (Book Three of The Diamond Collection) that my mind was saying, “What are people going to think?” I realized that I couldn’t focus on other people’s opinions especially when you’re trying to keep a storyline new and exciting. I decided to stretch my imagination and deal with the feedback when it comes.
What inspired this novel?
Vogue: As an avid reader, I was inspired to write my novel because I wanted to read something different in street lit. Most of the time, the lead female characters are born in the projects or the “hood,” other than in middle or upper class environments. As the reader, it made it harder to be able to relate to the character because I did not grow up in that kind of environment. I decided to write the kind of book that I wanted to read. I then prayed that others would want to read it, too.
Here’s a brief synopsis of Diamonds in the Rough: Carmen Davenport is living the American dream. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she has anything that a twenty-one year old college student would want. This includes one of the most lucrative clothing companies in New York. The only thing missing is love until she lays eyes on Jay Santiago, a Puerto Rican drug lord.
Almost instantly, Carmen begins to fall for him. After securing the rights to her inheritance, Carmen soon learns that Flame, Inc. is headed towards a downward spiral. Too ambitious to allow her dream to go down the drain, Carmen begins pulling at all lifelines to save her company. Putting aside everything she’s ever believed in, Carmen soon finds herself entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and crime.
Where can readers get your novel?
Vogue: Diamonds in the Rough can be found at www.passionatewriterpublishing.com and amazon:
Do you have a website, fan site, or Blog?
Vogue: Yes, my official website is Simply Vogue, www.simplyvogue.net.
What advice do you have for young or aspiring writers?
Vogue: To all of the aspiring authors, never let one door shut in your face without opening up another. No one is going to make your dream come true, but you.
Vogue, thank you for being my guest today! Readers, please leave a comment for Vogue to be entered for prizes with Authors Supporting Authors.
Hello and welcome to Immortyl Revolution. Tell us a little about yourself.
Vogue: Thanks for having me! To start, I am twenty-five years old and currently reside in Rock Hill, SC. I am a graduate of Winthrop University and hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. I begin writing when I was in high school and as you can see, I haven’t stopped yet!
Anything interesting facts you would like to share with readers?
Vogue: My most interesting writing quirk would probably have to be that I outline each of my novels. Since I am writing a ten book series, it is very important that I keep a lot of information consistent. I have several notebooks just filled with notes from each of the books. Some of them have actually ended up in print while others ended up on the cutting room floor.
What made you decide to write your first novel?
Vogue: When I was in high school, my sister’s best friend had started writing a novel. I decided to give it a shot just to try something different from poetry and I fell in love with it. Once my first book was written, I realized that I had a strong desire to be a writer. Not only that, I loved the fact that writing allowed me to utilize my imagination.
What genre do you write?
Vogue: Currently, I write urban fiction or street lit, but I have plans to break out into other genres. As a writer, you have to grow with your craft otherwise people will soon lose interest.
What has inspired you most? Who is your favorite author?
Vogue: What keeps me inspired is seeing the reaction from people who have read my work. My debut novel was just released on June 1st so people have started receiving their copies. I love hearing my readers’ thoughts and opinions, especially when they tell me that I’m always keeping them guessing. My favorite author is actually a writing duo, Ashley and Jaquavis, who are signed to Urban Books. Some of their works include: The Trophy Wife, The Cartel, The Cartel 2, Dirty Money, Supreme Clientele, amongst other titles. What I love about this writing duo is that they are easily able to mix two writing personalities together to form a novel that not only attracts female readers, but male readers as well.
What does your family think of your writing?
Vogue: Diamonds in the Rough is the first novel that my family will read by me so I am waiting to hear the feedback. Right now, they are simply encouraging me and being a positive support system. Every time they tell me that their proud of me, it’s like hearing it for the first time. It never gets old. I’m blessed to have the family that I do.
Name something you learned while creating your book.
Vogue: Well, I first learned this in high school when I took a creative writing course. As an author, you have to write as if no one is looking over your shoulder. There were several times when I was writing The Ace of Diamonds (Book Three of The Diamond Collection) that my mind was saying, “What are people going to think?” I realized that I couldn’t focus on other people’s opinions especially when you’re trying to keep a storyline new and exciting. I decided to stretch my imagination and deal with the feedback when it comes.
What inspired this novel?
Vogue: As an avid reader, I was inspired to write my novel because I wanted to read something different in street lit. Most of the time, the lead female characters are born in the projects or the “hood,” other than in middle or upper class environments. As the reader, it made it harder to be able to relate to the character because I did not grow up in that kind of environment. I decided to write the kind of book that I wanted to read. I then prayed that others would want to read it, too.
Here’s a brief synopsis of Diamonds in the Rough: Carmen Davenport is living the American dream. Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she has anything that a twenty-one year old college student would want. This includes one of the most lucrative clothing companies in New York. The only thing missing is love until she lays eyes on Jay Santiago, a Puerto Rican drug lord.
Almost instantly, Carmen begins to fall for him. After securing the rights to her inheritance, Carmen soon learns that Flame, Inc. is headed towards a downward spiral. Too ambitious to allow her dream to go down the drain, Carmen begins pulling at all lifelines to save her company. Putting aside everything she’s ever believed in, Carmen soon finds herself entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and crime.
Where can readers get your novel?
Vogue: Diamonds in the Rough can be found at www.passionatewriterpublishing.com and amazon:
Do you have a website, fan site, or Blog?
Vogue: Yes, my official website is Simply Vogue, www.simplyvogue.net.
What advice do you have for young or aspiring writers?
Vogue: To all of the aspiring authors, never let one door shut in your face without opening up another. No one is going to make your dream come true, but you.
Vogue, thank you for being my guest today! Readers, please leave a comment for Vogue to be entered for prizes with Authors Supporting Authors.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Interview with author Margaret West
Margaret is on her Authors Supporting Authors Virtual Tour. Please leave her a comment to be eligible for drawings through ASA.
Margaret, welcome to Immortyl Revolution! What age group is your work geared toward?
I write for adults. Although my books are Paranormal and Romance, I do include lovemaking scenes which gives them a more adult rating.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
Mainly Romance with some paranormal elements involved. I’m a Spiritual medium, so I like to include some of what I’ve experienced into my storylines. I like to make my novels humorous in part. Real life is hard enough without reading about it as well.
Tell us a little about your books..
I have two books out at the moment. To faces One life is a short inspirational coffee break read. It highlights the fact that no matter what your disability is, there is always a life for you out there waiting. You just need to grab it both hands.
My Novel The Heart of a Warrior is very dear to my heart. It took me a year to research and over a year to write. Although it is based on a fictitious reservation in Arizona, the facts are very real. It highlights the problems between two cultures when they collide. Belinda, is fresh from the UK, Yuma is the head of a reservation, which is closing to the outside world. When these two fall in love, there is a battle fought on every page for them to stay together and over come hundred year old traditions. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat, because not all romances have a happy ending. Does The Heart of a Warrior? I’ll leave that to the readers to find out.LOL
Who are your favorite characters in your books and why?
In The Heart of a Warrior it has to be Belinda. She is the one choosing to live in a totally different environment in a strange country. Giving up everything that is familiar is a scary thing and when everything seems to be against you, it take courage.
In Two Faces One Life it has to be Ted. He lives all alone with a devastating disability, yet he always seems to look on the bright side of life.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?
Not that I write anything like Catherine Cookson, but I do love her books and the way she brings her characters to life. There’s always a romantic element in her books that I liked. Not too wishy-washy and she didn’t need graphic sex scenes to make a love scene work. It was all woven into the matrix of the story.
I was influenced to write something of my own about 20 years ago when I worked for the makers of the James Bond films. I saw how the scriptwriters worked, taking a character from a book and giving him a whole new life. I decided then, I wanted to write a book of my own.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
It depends what I’m writing. If I want to include factual things and scenery, I’ll research it to death. I usually have a basic idea of the plot, but then I prefer the characters to move the story along. I belong to a great Critique group. www,critiquecircle.com. Without their input I don’t think some of my books would have made it. I also had a long-term critique partner, who worked with me on a one to one basis. We finally met up, after a few years, at my first book sign, which was lovely. But she’s moved abroad now, so I’m on the prowl for another one now lol.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
Take criticism on your writing bravely and learn from it. Don’t get angry or upset. It makes your writing stronger because others spot mistakes that you can’t see. Never copy even the slightest outline of a film you’ve seen or a book you’ve read. Do your research if it’s going to be factual and most of all enjoy what you’re doing. If it ever become a task, then it’s not right for you.
Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
My publisher is Eternal Press. www.eternalpress.ca
You can find The Heart of a Warrior and Two Faces One Life here
http://www.eternalpress.biz/people.php?author=318
You can also buy both my books through Amazon..
They are available in print and e-book.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?
My website is http://www.margaret-west.com/. Blog. http://Margaret-paranormalromanceauthor.blogspot.com/
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter. I’ve also started a new spiritual blog that paranormal writers tend to browse for information for their books. http://magsx.blogspot.com/.
Margaret, thanks for joining me today and good luck on the rest of your tour!
Margaret, welcome to Immortyl Revolution! What age group is your work geared toward?
I write for adults. Although my books are Paranormal and Romance, I do include lovemaking scenes which gives them a more adult rating.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
Mainly Romance with some paranormal elements involved. I’m a Spiritual medium, so I like to include some of what I’ve experienced into my storylines. I like to make my novels humorous in part. Real life is hard enough without reading about it as well.
Tell us a little about your books..
I have two books out at the moment. To faces One life is a short inspirational coffee break read. It highlights the fact that no matter what your disability is, there is always a life for you out there waiting. You just need to grab it both hands.
My Novel The Heart of a Warrior is very dear to my heart. It took me a year to research and over a year to write. Although it is based on a fictitious reservation in Arizona, the facts are very real. It highlights the problems between two cultures when they collide. Belinda, is fresh from the UK, Yuma is the head of a reservation, which is closing to the outside world. When these two fall in love, there is a battle fought on every page for them to stay together and over come hundred year old traditions. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat, because not all romances have a happy ending. Does The Heart of a Warrior? I’ll leave that to the readers to find out.LOL
Who are your favorite characters in your books and why?
In The Heart of a Warrior it has to be Belinda. She is the one choosing to live in a totally different environment in a strange country. Giving up everything that is familiar is a scary thing and when everything seems to be against you, it take courage.
In Two Faces One Life it has to be Ted. He lives all alone with a devastating disability, yet he always seems to look on the bright side of life.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?
Not that I write anything like Catherine Cookson, but I do love her books and the way she brings her characters to life. There’s always a romantic element in her books that I liked. Not too wishy-washy and she didn’t need graphic sex scenes to make a love scene work. It was all woven into the matrix of the story.
I was influenced to write something of my own about 20 years ago when I worked for the makers of the James Bond films. I saw how the scriptwriters worked, taking a character from a book and giving him a whole new life. I decided then, I wanted to write a book of my own.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
It depends what I’m writing. If I want to include factual things and scenery, I’ll research it to death. I usually have a basic idea of the plot, but then I prefer the characters to move the story along. I belong to a great Critique group. www,critiquecircle.com. Without their input I don’t think some of my books would have made it. I also had a long-term critique partner, who worked with me on a one to one basis. We finally met up, after a few years, at my first book sign, which was lovely. But she’s moved abroad now, so I’m on the prowl for another one now lol.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
Take criticism on your writing bravely and learn from it. Don’t get angry or upset. It makes your writing stronger because others spot mistakes that you can’t see. Never copy even the slightest outline of a film you’ve seen or a book you’ve read. Do your research if it’s going to be factual and most of all enjoy what you’re doing. If it ever become a task, then it’s not right for you.
Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
My publisher is Eternal Press. www.eternalpress.ca
You can find The Heart of a Warrior and Two Faces One Life here
http://www.eternalpress.biz/people.php?author=318
You can also buy both my books through Amazon..
They are available in print and e-book.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?
My website is http://www.margaret-west.com/. Blog. http://Margaret-paranormalromanceauthor.blogspot.com/
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter. I’ve also started a new spiritual blog that paranormal writers tend to browse for information for their books. http://magsx.blogspot.com/.
Margaret, thanks for joining me today and good luck on the rest of your tour!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Interview with author, Aurora Lightbourne
Today I welcome author, Aurora Lightbourne! Please leave a comment to enter for prizes Aurora will tell you about later in the interview.
Aurora, welcome to Immortyl Revolution. What age group is your work geared toward?
I write stories I would like to read. Whether they appeal to adults or young adults that is up to the reader to decide. I try to keep them at about an 8th grade reading level, according to MS Word.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
My Space Trippers Series is Sci-Fi/Fantasy adventure. It is Sci-Fi because it is set in the future and the people are on a ship which gets sent far from home when an invention called 'The Space Tripper' activates.
I am also working on a 'steampunk fairytale' and that is technically also Sci-Fi as it deals with different technology in a Victorian type time.
Tell us a little about your book.
Space Trippers is a fun Sci-Fi series. Valesque Rhaugh is a Virrilian Engineer, banished from her home planet for allegedly selling weapons to the humans. She lives a quiet life, moving from place to place and constructing new gadgets. Lately she has been living undercover in hostile Earthian territory, constructing her latest project; a state-of-the-art scientific exploration vessel.
The corrupt Earthian organization, the I.P.A. has sought control of her inventions before, but she had always turned them down flat. One determined General has now set his sights on her unfinished ship. In one fateful day he has her unarmed vessel taken over and ordered out for war duty, against her people! Worse yet, they shanghaied her as part of the crew!
When she wakes up, three days after launch, kidnapped on her own vessel, her nightmare has only just begun. Soon she discovers a sinister secret as her long lost device, the Space Tripper activates and sends them all hurtling into the unknown.
When the crew finds themselves stranded in uncharted space all fingers point at her. She is reluctantly befriended by a very flirty pilot, a shy young genius, an air headed android and a suspicious alien girl found drifting in space.
A fun, light series. Each book in the series follows the next in this episodic adventure. Each stop on the continuing journey delves a little deeper into the pasts, feelings and motives of each character as the entire story begins to unfold.
You can see a book trailer here: book trailer
Who is your favorite character in your book(s) and why?
I would have to say Valesque is my favorite, most of the story is told from her point of view. You have to sympathize with her, she is completely innocent, just trying to live her life and has finally found some happiness when the people she hates most come and turn her life upside down in just one day. She tries her best. She is not great at people skills, but she means well. It will be interesting to see her progress through the series.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?
Goodness, I am not sure if anyone has influenced this particular work. I used to read a lot as a teen, I could finish a 300 pages book in a day, but I read fantasy, Sci-Fi was too dry. I like humor, so in the Sci-Fi genre the only book I can think of offhand are the Hitchhikers series. I loved those books. Douglas Adams was the king of zany. His Marvin the robot was my favorite character in that series.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I research when I get an idea, to get my setting right. Like my newest stand-alone story 'Brass Hearts' I looked up period transportation I could make into steam vehicles. I looked up fashions, corsets, everything. I find internet search invaluable when writing.
When I get a story idea I will write down all I know about it as an outline. I will set up my time line and what key points, conversations and scenes I want to be sure to include and when. The characters add things of their own, some people show up when they weren't supposed to, like Tim who just has to be included in any conversation within earshot, and with Tim that can be pretty far.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
Write about anything to build your skill and learn what your personal writer's 'voice' is. Creative writing is a good practice tool. Just pick a theme, an item, a word and write a short story on it. You will learn to develop a more vivid imagination.
Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
I am with a little publisher called FairSpot Publishing. Books 1 & 2 are available as a volume (both books together in one cover) from any bookstore in your town or online that uses the Ingram catalog ( like B&N for instance). Space Trippers 1-3 are all available individually in ebook formats, including Sony, Kindle, Ipad etc, from ebook retailers. You can find them listed on sites like B&N: Barnes and Noble.
Book 3 will be available in paperback later this year.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?
My author site is: http://alightbourne.netau.net/you can find links to my Facebook and Twitter from there.
Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?
I am still on my Online Book Tour until June 3rd. So there is still time for people to get in on the prize drawings! You could win gift cards, an autographed book and 'character' bookthong and more just by leaving me a comment on my stops, like this one.
Also you can get in the drawing for a $25 Visa gift card by playing a crossword game with me. It only has 14 words and most of them are in the FREE half of Space Trippers Book 1 you can get from the link on my site: http://alightbourne.netau.net/
You don't have to leave your computer and you can visit the stops even after the scheduled date, that is just when the interviews and posts will go live. ( you may have to search the blogs archive for my earlier posts)
For details on the tour, prizes and game visit my Tour Event: Aurora's tour
Aurora, thanks for joining me today and good luck on your tour!
Aurora, welcome to Immortyl Revolution. What age group is your work geared toward?
I write stories I would like to read. Whether they appeal to adults or young adults that is up to the reader to decide. I try to keep them at about an 8th grade reading level, according to MS Word.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
My Space Trippers Series is Sci-Fi/Fantasy adventure. It is Sci-Fi because it is set in the future and the people are on a ship which gets sent far from home when an invention called 'The Space Tripper' activates.
I am also working on a 'steampunk fairytale' and that is technically also Sci-Fi as it deals with different technology in a Victorian type time.
Tell us a little about your book.
Space Trippers is a fun Sci-Fi series. Valesque Rhaugh is a Virrilian Engineer, banished from her home planet for allegedly selling weapons to the humans. She lives a quiet life, moving from place to place and constructing new gadgets. Lately she has been living undercover in hostile Earthian territory, constructing her latest project; a state-of-the-art scientific exploration vessel.
The corrupt Earthian organization, the I.P.A. has sought control of her inventions before, but she had always turned them down flat. One determined General has now set his sights on her unfinished ship. In one fateful day he has her unarmed vessel taken over and ordered out for war duty, against her people! Worse yet, they shanghaied her as part of the crew!
When she wakes up, three days after launch, kidnapped on her own vessel, her nightmare has only just begun. Soon she discovers a sinister secret as her long lost device, the Space Tripper activates and sends them all hurtling into the unknown.
When the crew finds themselves stranded in uncharted space all fingers point at her. She is reluctantly befriended by a very flirty pilot, a shy young genius, an air headed android and a suspicious alien girl found drifting in space.
A fun, light series. Each book in the series follows the next in this episodic adventure. Each stop on the continuing journey delves a little deeper into the pasts, feelings and motives of each character as the entire story begins to unfold.
You can see a book trailer here: book trailer
Who is your favorite character in your book(s) and why?
I would have to say Valesque is my favorite, most of the story is told from her point of view. You have to sympathize with her, she is completely innocent, just trying to live her life and has finally found some happiness when the people she hates most come and turn her life upside down in just one day. She tries her best. She is not great at people skills, but she means well. It will be interesting to see her progress through the series.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in the genre?
Goodness, I am not sure if anyone has influenced this particular work. I used to read a lot as a teen, I could finish a 300 pages book in a day, but I read fantasy, Sci-Fi was too dry. I like humor, so in the Sci-Fi genre the only book I can think of offhand are the Hitchhikers series. I loved those books. Douglas Adams was the king of zany. His Marvin the robot was my favorite character in that series.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I research when I get an idea, to get my setting right. Like my newest stand-alone story 'Brass Hearts' I looked up period transportation I could make into steam vehicles. I looked up fashions, corsets, everything. I find internet search invaluable when writing.
When I get a story idea I will write down all I know about it as an outline. I will set up my time line and what key points, conversations and scenes I want to be sure to include and when. The characters add things of their own, some people show up when they weren't supposed to, like Tim who just has to be included in any conversation within earshot, and with Tim that can be pretty far.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
Write about anything to build your skill and learn what your personal writer's 'voice' is. Creative writing is a good practice tool. Just pick a theme, an item, a word and write a short story on it. You will learn to develop a more vivid imagination.
Who is your publisher and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
I am with a little publisher called FairSpot Publishing. Books 1 & 2 are available as a volume (both books together in one cover) from any bookstore in your town or online that uses the Ingram catalog ( like B&N for instance). Space Trippers 1-3 are all available individually in ebook formats, including Sony, Kindle, Ipad etc, from ebook retailers. You can find them listed on sites like B&N: Barnes and Noble.
Book 3 will be available in paperback later this year.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on Facebook or other sites?
My author site is: http://alightbourne.netau.net/you can find links to my Facebook and Twitter from there.
Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?
I am still on my Online Book Tour until June 3rd. So there is still time for people to get in on the prize drawings! You could win gift cards, an autographed book and 'character' bookthong and more just by leaving me a comment on my stops, like this one.
Also you can get in the drawing for a $25 Visa gift card by playing a crossword game with me. It only has 14 words and most of them are in the FREE half of Space Trippers Book 1 you can get from the link on my site: http://alightbourne.netau.net/
You don't have to leave your computer and you can visit the stops even after the scheduled date, that is just when the interviews and posts will go live. ( you may have to search the blogs archive for my earlier posts)
For details on the tour, prizes and game visit my Tour Event: Aurora's tour
Aurora, thanks for joining me today and good luck on your tour!
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